How Long Should You Brush?

Pretty much everyone knows that oral hygiene requires you to brush your teeth at least twice a day; but do you know exactly how long you should spend brushing? Believe it or not, recent studies show that even the most oral-health conscious Americans are not giving this task an adequate amount of time. Think back to this morning – how much time did you dedicate to your oral health?

Dentists across the world agree that a proper brushing session should last, at a minimum, two minutes. Most adults, let alone children, do not even come close to this required amount of time. Brushing for a full two minutes allows your teeth to get clean enough to avoid plaque buildup, gingivitis, cavities, and other problems. Brushing for less than the allotted two minute period could lead to bacteria being left behind, which in turn can cause serious problems such as periodontitis – inflammation of the tissues surrounding your teeth. If that isn’t a large enough reason to focus on your pearly whites for the full two minutes, new studies are now suggesting that heavy plaque buildup in the mouth actually correlates with plaque buildup in the arteries.

To avoid any of these nasty complications, find ways to reach the two minute goal with every brushing. Select a song or poem to recite in your head or set a timer. For children, purchase a toothbrush with fun incentives – such as music that plays or flashing lights that operate for the require length of time. You’ll be surprised at the difference you’ll see and feel just by reaching this two minute mark every time you brush.